Kilkenny GAA introduces the U19 Development League, an initiative aimed at nurturing young talent within the county.
Set to commence this Friday night, March 22nd, the league will see teams from Dublin, Offaly, Wexford, and Kilkenny competing in a bid to bridge the gap between U17 and U20 inter-county competitions.
The league’s unique concept restricts participation to players who have not yet competed at U20 championship level, providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and progress within the county’s hurling ranks.
The Kilkenny panel, composed of 31 players hailing from 21 clubs, will be under the guidance of Mark Aylward and his coaching team. Ahead of Kilkenny’s inaugural match in the league, Mark Aylward shared insights into the league’s objectives and aspirations in an interview with the Kilkenny App:
“Look, the goal is long-term. It’s working towards under 20 Championship next year for the boys to develop and improve themselves and show them the under 20 management that they can step up. And the long-term goal for me specifically for the lads is that they make inter-county hurling scene. That’s what it is, that’s what it’s all about. They’re developing their young men, their 18 or 19 years of age, so there’s a lot to work on. There’s plenty of good hurlers in Kilkenny, don’t get me wrong. I’m after seeing us now against the Munster teams the last few weeks and challenges and we’re equally a match for them all. And as we say the natural skill is in Kilkenny, it’s just to develop that little bit further into the coaching aspect.”
U19 Development League
— Kilkenny GAA (@KilkennyCLG) March 20, 2024
The U19 Development League is a new initiative from Kilkenny GAA & it kicks off this Friday night, 22nd March, with teams from @DubGAAOfficial, @Offaly_GAA, @OfficialWexGAA & Kilkenny competing.
The concept behind this League is to bridge the gap between… pic.twitter.com/lTNVXuX2op
For those eager to delve deeper into the league’s objectives and insights, Mark Aylward’s full interview with Patrick O’Flynn is available on the Kilkenny Cats app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to stay informed and engaged with Kilkenny GAA’s latest endeavors in nurturing emerging talent.
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